Description
The graduate research journey is a multifaceted endeavour encompassing academic andprofessional development and personal growth, forming an integral part of the candidate’s
identity. While expertise in their chosen discipline is crucial, recent studies have
emphasised the growing importance of holistic development. However, conventional
doctoral training models have been criticised for their over-emphasis on discipline specific
expertise at the expense of candidates' professional and personal development (Sharmini &
Spronken-Smith, 2020). Despite the existence of sporadic training programs, there remains
a notable gap in the literature regarding effective approaches to fostering these essential
skills in candidates.
Focusing squarely on these skills and attributes, we developed and implemented the Thesis
Coaching Program (TCP) for graduate researchers at our institution. The program aims to
bolster candidates' confidence and their ability to take control of their thesis by facilitating
the enhancement of self-management skills and personal awareness and growth. In addition
to the individualised support and the range of benefits experienced by both candidates and
coaches over a relatively short period, what makes the TCP distinctive is the make-up of the
coaching body; rather than being drawn from the research or academic staff body, TCP
coaches are professional staff from different teams at the university, each holding a PhD
and bringing experience from a range of disciplines.
Through the inclusion of non-academic staff, our coaching model harnesses institutional
resources to promote well-rounded candidate development. This model introduces an
innovative dimension to the existing institutional framework of graduate education. We
discuss the model's implications for candidates, their supervisors, as well as professional
staff at an institutional level. The TCP illustrates how taking a holistic, institution-wide
approach can foster collaboration among these stakeholders for enhancing candidates'
professional development, personal growth, and ultimately elevating the overall quality of
their study experience.
| Period | 17 Apr 2024 → 19 Apr 2024 |
|---|---|
| Event title | Quality in Postgraduate Research 2024 Conference: Graduate researchers: identity and importance |
| Event type | Conference |
| Location | Adelaide, Australia, South AustraliaShow on map |
| Degree of Recognition | International |